When you first start drinking wine you might be tempted to choose a bottle based on the label (and even long-time wine enthusiasts can still appreciate good branding) but if you take a closer look the label can tell you a lot about what’s in the bottle.
Understanding how to read a wine label enhances your wine experience and helps you select the perfect bottle for any occasion. Let’s dive into the essential elements of wine labels and how to confidently decipher them.
How To Read Wine Labels: Five Key Elements
1. Vintage: The Year of Creation
The vintage year on a wine label refers to the year the grapes were harvested. This is important information because the climate conditions of that particular year can significantly impact the taste and quality of the wine. For instance, a wine from a cooler vintage may have higher acidity and a more restrained flavour profile than a warmer vintage wine.
Example
Château Margaux 2015: The year '2015' indicates that the grapes were harvested in 2015. In Bordeaux, France, where Château Margaux is located, this vintage is known for producing exceptional wines with rich flavours and balanced tannins.
2. Appellation: Where the Wine is From
The appellation on a wine label tells you where the grapes were grown. It can range from a broad region to a more specific area. Understanding appellations can help you appreciate the influence of different climates, soils, and winemaking traditions on the wine.
Examples
Burgundy: This broad appellation covers a large area in France and includes several sub-regions known for producing diverse styles of wine.
Napa Valley: A specific appellation within California, known for its rich, full-bodied wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Varietal: The Grape Variety
The varietal indicates the type of grape used to make the wine. Some wines are labelled by their varietal, such as Riesling or Gamay Noir, which provides insight into their flavour profile and characteristics. Unfortunately, not all bottles explicitly tell you what grapes were used. Many regions in Europe prioritize appellation on the label over varietal. In these cases, you would need to do some research to know which grapes are grown in that region.
Examples
Riesling: This varietal is known for being high in acid and having green apple, citrus, and petrol notes. Commonly grown in Germany, the Finger Lake region of New York, and Niagara, the high acidity in Riesling is often balanced by residual sugar.
Pinot Noir: A thin-skinned grape variety that thrives in cooler climates, resulting in wines with delicate fruit flavours and nuanced earthy aromas. Regions like Burgundy in France or Oregon’s Willamette Valley are known for Pinot Noir.
4. Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
The percentage of alcohol in a wine can tell you a bit about what to expect in the glass. Many European wine regions only allow their highest quality wines to have 13.5% ABV and above. In hot growing climates, such as California, ABVs can be quite high (up to 17% on some dry wines). Many higher-alcohol wines are made from riper grapes and tend to have more fruit-forward flavours. Wines lower in alcohol tend to feel lighter on the palette.
5. Additional Terms and Information
Some labels include other helpful information such as the producer’s name, special designations (such as ‘Reserve’) and even the winemaking techniques used.
Example
Spain: Spanish wine labels might include terms like Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva, which indicate the aging process of the wine. A Rioja Reserva signifies a wine that has been aged for a minimum of three years, with at least one year in oak barrels.
Putting It All Together
To read a wine label effectively, start by identifying the key elements: the vintage, appellation, and varietal. Use this information to make informed decisions about the wine’s potential flavour and quality. When in doubt, most wine shops will have someone you can ask about the label or you can Google any terms you might be unfamiliar with.
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